| The Ancient censors were part of the cursus honorum, a series of public offices held during a political career, like consuls and praetors. |
| However, praetors were not free to move around with their legions and were pretty much anchored to where they were assigned. |
| They advised the magistrates who were entrusted with the administration of justice, most importantly the praetors. |
| By ad 5 destinatio seems to have been the practice that is, a special panel of senators and equites selected the praetors and consuls, and the comitia centuriata automatically ratified their choice. |
| The element of autonomy was not formalised in the time of the Republic, but was conceded by the State to the responsa of the jurists, and to the edicts of the praetors. |
| The adaptation of law to new needs was given over to juridical practice, to magistrates, and especially to the praetors. |
